Spirit Lake Poetry Series - Beth Ann Fennelly

Beth Ann Fennelly will be reading on Saturday, 11/22, 7:30pm at Somers Lounge at the College of St.Scholastica as part of the Spirit Lake Poetry Series.

I was lucky enough to have seen Fennelly read a few years back shortly after the release of her book, Tender Hooks. Her poetry is playful and dramatic as it explores relationships, interactions, emotions and perceptions that don't always receive the depth of attention they deserve.

an example from Tender Hooks

Gong

From the kitchen, fixing her bottle, I hear it:
two milk teeth against my beer can.

Her new collection, Unmentionables is backed with quotes from Robert Hass, the Harvard Review, Nick Hornby and Tim Rauschenberger (apparently to disrupt the letter H). Admiring students, considering footed pajamas, remembering life in Illinois while living in Mississippi - Fennelly is able to "veer into unexpected depths" with an awareness and passion. She also gives us a Dream Song cycle and considers impressionism. Smart and endearing verse.

Peace Bell Event Report

Last night was a great evening for telling a moving story about peacemaking through a new children's book and the screening of a new documentary. On Wednesday, November 12th, our shop collaborated with the Arrowhead Reading Council to host Margi Preus for a reading of her newest children's book The Peace Bell. Also part the event was a screening of filmmaker Paul Creager's movie Resonance. Both of these projects tell us the story of Duluth's Peace Bell, located at Enger Park. How did a bell from a temple in Japan get to Duluth after WWII?
The story of the Peace Bell is amazing and profound. Margi's inspiration as well as Paul's passion for doing the research and collecting archival photos and film footage informed the audience of a long forgotten piece of history.
I highly recommend you take a moment to watch the youtube clip. If you are a teacher check out Margi and Paul's websites for more background material. This material is for students K-12 as well as community members.
I haven't been moved by a story and the passion of the story tellers since I read Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson.
Peace, Love, Books,
Anita Zager

Election Day

Hey all you Joe/Jane the Bibliophiles and Joe/Jane Sixpacks (of books) make sure to head out and vote! Find your polling center here!

Two Spiritual Books

Acedia is a state of mind in which one becomes incapable of sharing, appreciating or receiving God's love. Often overlooked or miscategorized as apathy or depression, Kathleen Norris explicates through memoir and meditation this all-too-familiar "noonday demon" and how to surpass its influence. Listen to her discuss her book in an interview with America Magazine

Also via America Magazine, is an interview with Donna Freitas, author of Becoming a Goddess of Inner Poise and co-author of Killing the Impostor God: Philip Pullman's Spiritual Imagination in His Dark Materials discusses her newest book, Possibilities of Sainthood, the story of Antonia Lucia Labella who very much wants to become a saint, while still alive. She carries on regular (one-sided) correspondence with the Pope, proposing new patron saints and nominating herself for the posts! Examines family, religion, growing up, and highlights strong women with dynamic faiths.